A charity has warned that soaring energy bills will plunge more people in Sunderland into debt as the cost of living crisis rumbles on.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) has warned that living is costing many local families everything right now. Together with Bethany Church in Houghton-le-Spring, the charity has been helping local people get free of debt for the past ten years.
And while CAP has welcomed the Government's energy price guarantee that was announced on September 8, which aims to significantly reduce people’s energy costs, the charity is still deeply concerned. CAP's Houghton Debt Centre team are worried those on a low income in the area still won't be able to afford rising energy costs during the colder months.
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Jemma Jackson, Houghton's CAP Debt Centre Manager said: "The help provided by the UK Government to keep down all our energy bills is welcomed and a massive relief to many people who would’ve otherwise fallen into fuel poverty and debt.
"But the sad reality is we are still seeing many Houghton families already in a financial crisis because they haven’t been able to afford rising costs throughout 2022."
UK-wide, CAP has seen calls to the charity's helpline rise by over a third in the first half of this year compared to 2021. Meanwhile, the number of requests they have received for emergency fuel top-ups for people unable to afford energy have doubled in the same period.
Jemma said: "Many people living on a low income in our area still can’t afford their energy bills and all the other rocketing living costs. This is resulting in debt, desperation and in some cases, destitution and is why it’s vital we let people know we are here to offer free debt help."
Christians Against Poverty is a charity which offers free debt help, practical and emotional support and budgeting skills through debt centres, run in partnership with local churches. CAP is a Christian organisation but all services are free and offered to people of any faith or no faith. The charity has helped thousands of people become debt free and have hope restored in their lives over the last 25 years.
Jemma continued: "I encourage anyone struggling financially to seek free debt help because we know that with incomes so low, and rapidly rising costs, a lot of households are finding it impossible to stay out of debt.
"We have seen many people in Houghton go from debt and desperation to being completely debt free in the past 10 years. We are determined to continue bringing hope to our community throughout this difficult time by offering our practical and emotional support. We’d urge anyone who needs our help or who would like to support our work to get in touch."
If you are struggling with debt and need free help, get in contact with CAP today on 0800 328 0006 or visit capuk.org, alternatively contact the local team to find out how you can help support the work of Bethany Church on 07449160420 or email: jemmajackson@capuk.org.
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